Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB), in collaboration with scientists at the
University of Arizona and Tufts University reported in the April issue
of the journal Nature Neuroscience that in preclinical studies,
injections of the protein neublastin promoted the regeneration of
damaged sensory nerve cells and produced virtually complete, long-term
restoration of sensory and motor function. These studies suggest
neublastin has potential for further development as a treatment for
traumatic nerve injury.
Neublastin, also known as artemin, belongs to a family of proteins,
called glial-derived neurotrophic factors (GDNF), which promote nerve
cell survival. The protein is unique because it acts selectively on
sensory neurons. In previous preclinical studies, neublastin reversed a
number of features of chronic pain associated with peripheral nerve
injury.
Specifically in the studies, six neublastin injections were administered
over 11 days following injury to the dorsal root, a bundle of peripheral
nerve fibers adjacent to the spinal cord that transmit sensory
information to the central nervous system. The injections promoted nerve
growth into the spinal cord and restored the ability to respond normally
to a variety of sensory stimuli and perform complex motor activities
such as grasping an object on contact. The functional recovery occurred
even after a two-day delay in administering neublastin and lasted for
more than six months.
“Sensory nerves entering the spinal cord have
minimal capacity to regenerate and severe injury often results in
permanent loss of sensory functions,” said
Frank Porreca, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology at the University of
Arizona, the study’s senior author. “The
results of our preclinical studies, showing dramatic, long-term recovery
of pain sensation and complex motor skills after neublastin injections,
represent an important and novel advance in research efforts in the area
of traumatic nerve injury.”
In a series of biochemical, molecular and electrophysiology studies, the
researchers also demonstrated that neublastin promoted the regeneration
of multiple classes of nerve cells back into the spinal cord and the
re-establishment of functional connections with their spinal targets.
“These exciting results support further
research, as the data suggest that neublastin may have the potential to
promote sensory neuronal regeneration and functional recovery following
injury,” said Ken Rhodes, PhD, Vice President,
Discovery Neurobiology, Biogen Idec. “The
neublastin program is part of Biogen Idec’s
commitment to innovative neurological science and discovery.”
Biogen Idec is developing neublastin for use in treating peripheral
nervous system diseases under an exclusive license from NsGene.
Scientists at NsGene discovered neublastin in 1998.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high
unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in
the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of
innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from
Biogen Idec's significant products that address diseases such as
lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product
labeling, press releases and additional information about the company,
please visit www.biogenidec.com.
Biogen Idec Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the
development of neublastin (also known as artemin) and its potential as a
treatment for various indications. These statements are based on Biogen
Idec’s current beliefs and expectation, based
on preclinical studies conducted to date. Drug development involves a
high degree of risk. Factors which could cause actual results to differ
materially from current expectations include: the risk that unexpected
concerns may arise from additional data or analysis, that regulatory
authorities may require additional information and/or further studies
before further development is conducted, or may fail to approve the
drug. The company may also encounter other unexpected hurdles. For more
detailed information on the risks and uncertainties associated with
Biogen Idec’s drug development and other
activities, see the periodic reports of Biogen Idec filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Biogen Idec assumes no obligation to
update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
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